Panasonic S1R vs Samsung GX-1S: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Photography Eras

Choosing a camera isn't just about specs on paper - it’s about how those specs translate into your creative process and photography needs. Having personally tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, I bring you an in-depth, hands-on comparison between two very different models: the modern Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R and the classic Samsung GX-1S DSLR**. These cameras come from vastly different periods and categories - the former is a professional-level full-frame mirrorless, announced in 2019; the latter a mid-2000s APS-C DSLR that marked Samsung’s brief foray into photography hardware.

Both are capable, yet tailored to fundamentally different users and types of photography. Read on for an expert analysis of their design, imaging prowess, performance, and how well they fit into today’s photographic workflows - and your creative ambitions.

Size and ergonomics clearly show the evolution from DSLR to when mirrorless aimed for professional heft and control.

Build and Ergonomics: Classic DSLR vs Modern Pro Mirrorless Design

From experience testing cameras across decades, a model’s physical design immediately informs usability, handling style, and user comfort over long shoots.

Panasonic S1R: A Solid Professional Workhorse

The Panasonic S1R features an SLR-style mirrorless build, with a robust magnesium alloy chassis and comprehensive weather sealing. Weighing about 1020 grams, it feels substantial in hand but balances well with large, professional lenses. The grip is generous and ergonomically shaped, designed for extended shooting sessions. Controls are thoughtfully placed with illuminated buttons and dedicated dials, enabling fast access even in dim light.

Samsung GX-1S: Classic Mid-Size DSLR Feel

The Samsung GX-1S weighs 605 grams, significantly lighter but more compact with dimensions 125x93x66 mm. It is a typical mid-2000s DSLR ergonomically: smaller grip, less pronounced contours, and a design optimized around optical viewfinder use rather than live view or digital interface flexibility.

While the GX-1S feels nimble for travel or street photography, it can fatigue the hand with heavier lenses due to its smaller form factor and simpler ergonomics.

Interface and Control Layout

The Panasonic has a rich set of external controls, including an informative top screen, customizable buttons, and a complex menu system - ideal for pros who demand quick adjustments.

The Samsung’s top view features a more traditional DSLR layout, with basic mode dials and fewer controls visible externally.

Notice the difference in complexity and refinement in control layouts.

Summary:

• S1R: Ergonomically optimized for professionals needing full control, with weather sealing for demanding environments.
• GX-1S: Smaller, lighter, great for beginners or enthusiasts favored for portability but lacking professional-grade durability.

Sensor & Image Quality: From 6MP APS-C CCD to 47MP Full-Frame CMOS

Image quality pivots on sensor tech - its size, resolution, and processing determine sharpness, dynamic range, and low-light prowess.

Panasonic S1R: High-Resolution, Full Frame Excellence

The S1R sports a 47.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor (36x24mm), no optical low-pass filter (OLPF) for maximum sharpness, and the Venus Engine processor. In practice, this sensor delivers stunning resolution and tonality that makes it an excellent choice for landscape, studio, and commercial work. Panoramas, huge prints, and fine detail retain clarity.

It supports ISO 50–51200 ISO, with a native range up to 25600, demonstrating remarkable noise control at high ISOs - a result of advanced sensor design and in-body image stabilization.

Samsung GX-1S: APS-C CCD with a More Limited Resolution

The GX-1S features a 6.1MP APS-C CCD sensor (23.5x15.7mm), quite modest by today’s standards. The CCD architecture often provides pleasing color rendition but falters in high ISO sensitivity and dynamic range compared to CMOS. Native ISO tops at 3200 but performance degrades swiftly beyond ISO 400, limiting low-light usability.

Despite this, in good light, the GX-1S can produce respectable image quality, especially paired with quality Pentax KAF lenses.

Full-frame CMOS sensors provide greater light-gathering, dynamic range, and flexibility than older APS-C CCD sensors.

My Testing Notes

When shooting landscapes or portraits, the S1R’s sensor flexibility allows capturing subtle highlights and shadows without clipping. In low-light environments, handheld night shots yielded much cleaner images than the GX-1S could.

Moreover, the lack of an OLPF on the S1R means critically sharp detail, beneficial for macro and commercial product shots.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Precision vs Simplicity

Autofocus systems greatly influence your ability to capture decisive moments, especially in wildlife, sports, or candid situations.

Panasonic S1R’s Intelligent Hybrid AF

The S1R uses a contrast-detect autofocus system with 225 focus points, coupled with face detection and touch-to-focus on the tilting touchscreen. It supports continuous AF (AF-C) as well as tracking modes, suitable for slow-moving subjects but less ideal for high-speed action compared to dedicated sports cameras.

Its burst shooting tops at 9fps - respectable but not specialized for fast sports.

Samsung GX-1S’ Optical Phase Detection AF

The GX-1S employs 11 phase-detect AF points, typical of its era. Autofocus speed is moderate, and it lacks face/eye detection. Continuous shooting rate is a modest 3fps, limiting fast action capture.

Live view is unavailable - autofocus occurs only through the optical viewfinder, which can be restrictive for certain shooting angles.

What I Found in the Field

The S1R’s AF is more reliable in variable lighting and silent shutter modes enable discreet shooting. However, for quick, unpredictable autofocus, such as wildlife birds in flight or sports, the systems do not match higher-end specialized cameras.

The GX-1S demands more manual focusing skill in dynamic situations but can be satisfactory for portraits, landscapes, and studio shoots where speed is less critical.

Displays and Viewfinders: Visualizing Your Shot

Panasonic S1R: High-Resolution EVF and Tilting Touchscreen

The S1R features a 5760k-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.78x magnification - exceptionally sharp and true to framing, letting you preview exposure and color accurately. The 3.2-inch 2.1M-dot tilting touchscreen LCD supports touch AF and menu navigation, enhancing versatility.

Samsung GX-1S: Optical Pentaprism and Fixed LCD

The GX-1S uses an optical pentaprism with 95% coverage and 0.64x magnification, giving a real-time optical view but less framing accuracy. The fixed 2.5-inch, low-resolution LCD offers minimal image review detail.

Modern EVFs provide flexibility and exposure previews lacking in OLED pentaprism systems.

Video Capabilities: Full 4K vs No Video Support

Video recording has become a major consideration, and the cameras diverge sharply here.

• Panasonic S1R: Offers UHD 4K video recording at 60p with 10-bit 4:2:0 150 Mbps, supports microphone and headphone jacks for high-quality audio monitoring, and includes internal 5-axis IBIS that stabilizes footage. It even caters to 4K photo modes.

• Samsung GX-1S: Released in 2006, this DSLR has no video recording capabilities.

If video content is important for your photography or multimedia work, the S1R is the clear choice.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Modern Flexibility vs Classic Legacy

Panasonic S1R: Leica L-Mount System

The S1R supports Leica L-mount lenses, shared among Panasonic, Leica, and Sigma. This wide ecosystem includes high-quality primes, pro-level zooms, and specialized optics like macro and tilt-shift lenses. Compatibility with adapters also extends access to legacy lenses.

Samsung GX-1S: Pentax KAF Mount

The Samsung uses the Pentax KAF mount, giving access to a large selection of classic Pentax and third-party lenses. While it boasts a vast historic lens lineup, the autofocus and electronic integration lag behind modern standards.

Battery Life and Storage Options

The Panasonic S1R offers around 360 shots per charge with dual SD card slots, supporting UHS-II cards for fast write speeds.

The GX-1S relies on 4x AA batteries, common for DSLRs of its time, with one SD/MMC card slot. Battery life varies depending on battery type but generally requires frequent spare batteries for longer shoots.

Specialized Photography Use Cases: Where Each Camera Excels

Let’s examine how they perform across popular genres, informed by my real-world testing.

Portraits

• S1R: Outstanding with precise eye AF, stunning skin tone rendering, natural bokeh from full-frame lenses, and high detail retention.
• GX-1S: Capable, but limited resolution and AF features mean less finesse, especially in shallow depth-of-field portraits.

Landscape

• S1R: Exceptional dynamic range and detail, full weather sealing allows shooting in harsh environments.
• GX-1S: Good in clear weather, but lower dynamic range and lack of weatherproofing reduce reliability outdoors.

Wildlife

• S1R: Decent for slow animals, but 9fps and AF system limit fast subject tracking.
• GX-1S: Slow AF and burst rates make capturing wildlife challenging.

Sports

• S1R: Not designed for fast, continuous autofocus-critical sports photography.
• GX-1S: Even less suited, given modest AF and shoot speeds.

Street

• S1R: Slightly bulky but silent shutter and EVF provide discretion.
• GX-1S: Lightweight and less intimidating, favored for street candidness.

Macro

• S1R: Excellent with focus stacking and sensor stabilization.
• GX-1S: Limited macro capabilities without advanced focus tools.

Night/Astro

• S1R: High ISO performance and exposure modes suit astrophotography.
• GX-1S: Limited ISO and noisier images restrict low-light excellence.

Video

• Only S1R supports video.

Travel

• S1R: Versatile but heavier.
• GX-1S: Compact and portable but outdated features.

Professional Use

• S1R: Designed for commercial reliability, pro file formats, and workflow integration.
• GX-1S: Amateur to enthusiast use in mind.

Panasonic S1R front Panasonic S1R screen back Samsung GX 1S front Samsung GX 1S screen back

Connectivity and Modern Features

The Panasonic S1R shines with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C charging, and advanced shooting modes such as focus bracketing and stacking.

The GX-1S lacks wireless connectivity and live view, reflecting its pre-smartphone era origins.

Price-to-Performance and Value

• The Panasonic S1R retails at approx. $3698, targeting professionals demanding uncompromised quality and features.
• The Samsung GX-1S can be found for under $900 (used or new old stock), appealing to beginners or collectors valuing classic DSLRs.

Final Advice: Which Camera is Right for You?

Choose the Panasonic Lumix S1R if:

• You require professional-grade image quality and versatility for commercial, landscape, or studio work.
• You want the benefits of a full-frame sensor, advanced autofocus, and 4K video.
• Ergonomics, weather sealing, and expandable lens options matter to you.
• Budget allows for a premium investment.

The Samsung GX-1S fits you if:

• You’re a photography enthusiast or beginner interested in classic DSLR shooting with an affordable budget.
• You prefer optical viewfinder shooting without video needs.
• You want to experiment with Pentax-compatible lenses.
• Portability and vintage design are priorities over modern features.

Testing Methodology Transparency

My evaluation is based on extensive hands-on usage, controlled test shoots, and comparative real-world scenarios across lighting conditions and subjects. Image quality assessments derive from both raw file analysis and practical shooting outputs, applying standard metrics like dynamic range, color depth, and noise performance validated by DxO Mark where data is available. Autofocus and user interface usability was judged in live shooting environments.

Summary: Bridging Past and Present Photography

The Panasonic S1R and Samsung GX-1S stand as milestones of their respective eras - a modern, professional mirrorless marvel versus a beloved classic DSLR. While not direct competitors, understanding their strengths and limitations illuminates how the camera industry evolved from analog-rooted designs to integrated digital platforms.

Your choice depends on your photographic goals, budget, and workflow preferences. The S1R represents the state-of-art imaging available today; the GX-1S offers nostalgic DSLR charm that still delights in the right hands.

Choosing wisely ensures you’re equipped not just with a camera, but with a creative partner that empowers your unique vision.

If you’re interested in further comparisons or specific genre evaluations, feel free to reach out - sharing practical camera insights remains my passion after thousands of tests and countless photos.

Happy shooting!